When Westfield Vocational Technical High School (WVTHS) Principal James Laverty took his current position, he thought it would be his last job.
However, Laverty received the opportunity of his dreams when he was offered a superintendent position at Franklin Tech in Turners Falls.
“I fully expected when I came to Westfield that I would retire here,” said Laverty. “But it was my long-standing career goal to be a superintendent.”
Laverty spent one year at WVTHS, but it was a very eventful year.
“It’s been a whirlwind of a year,” he said.
Laverty cited the school’s participation in SkillsUSA for the first time, national recognition of the landscaping program, and recognition of the manufacturing program, among others, as major events in 2011-2012..
While Laverty proudly listed the many achievements made at WVTHS this past year, he was quick to give credit to others.
“This isn’t about me, it happened because of the staff who was excited about opportunities,” said Laverty.
Laverty has worked in vocational schools for 20 years and said he loves working with the students because he can relate to them.
Laverty said many students turn to vocational schools because they don’t feel like the academic college prep track is for them.
“I graduated from Chicopee High School and went to Westfield State, only to drop out,” said Laverty. “Kids often think I don’t know what they’re going through, but I do.”
Laverty joined the Marine Corps.
“There, I learned how to be focused,” said Laverty.
He promptly returned to Westfield State after his Marines discharge in 1969 and not only earned his degree there, but later received a Master’s degree from the University of Massachusetts, as well as an advanced graduate degree at Westfield State College. Laverty began teaching special education in 1973 and said he has worked in education his entire career.
“Somebody asked me once what my greatest accomplishment was in education and I said since I started in high school vocational education in 1993, my greatest accomplishment happens every June when graduates walk across that stage,” Laverty said. “It’s the juice that recharges the batteries every year.”
Laverty said he knows there are even more exciting things on the horizon for WVTHS.
“I am happy I contributed to what happened this year and I know it will continue,” said Laverty.
Laverty will take his new post in July and said a search is underway for a new WVTHS principal.
